Say, I believe in Allah and then remain steadfast upon that

On the Authority of Abu Amr – and it is said – Abu Amrah Sufyan ibn Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu) that he said: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam that I cannot ask anyone other than you.” He said, “Say, ‘I believe in Allah and then remain steadfast upon that.”

[Sahih Muslim]

Commentary:

His statement, “Tell me something about Islam that I cannot ask anyone other than you” This means a statement that is clear, evident, and comprehensive. He said, He said, “Say, ‘I believe in Allah and then remain steadfast upon that” ” I believe in Allah” this occurs in the heart. Being steadfast occurs with action. So the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) gave him two statements that encompass the entire Religion. “I believe in Allah” encompasses everything that Allah, The Mighty, The Majestic, informed about Himself, the Last Day, His Messengers, and everything that He sent with them. It also includes submission, so due to this he said, “and then remain steadfast upon that” This is based upon Eman. He brought (the word) “then” indicating order, uprightness, adhering to the straight path of those whom Allah blessed from the prophets, truthful, martyrs, and righteous. When a person bases his life on these two statements, he will have bliss in this life and the next.

And from the Benefits of this hadith:

1. The enthusiasm of the Companions in asking questions that which would benefit them in this life and the next.

2. The intellect of Abu Amr or Abu Amrah when he asked this remarkable, decisive question. He desisted from asking anyone else when he said, “Tell me something about Islam that I cannot ask anyone other than you”

3. This hadith is the most comprehensive and beneficial advice; faith in Allah and then remaining steadfast upon that

4. Faith in Allah does not suffice without uprightness. Rather, it is imperative to believe in Allah and be steadfast upon His religion.

5. The religion of lslam is based on these two affairs:

The place of Eman (faith) is the heart.

The place of uprightness is the limbs. Even if the heart has a portion of this (i.e. these actions), the origin is that it is on the limbs, and Allah knows best.